Recognizing the need to automate SGLI election and eliminate the current paper-based system the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD), embarked on a project to build a system capable of allowing members to electronically manage life insurance coverage. Launched in April 2017, the SGLI Online Enrollment System (SOES) incorporates the functionality of the SGLV 8286, SGLI Election and Certificate, and SGLV 8286A, Spouse Coverage Election and Certificate. The DoD and VA employed a phased transition to SOES with the Navy, Army, and Air Force moving to SOES in 2017 followed by the Marine Corps, Coast Guard and NOAA in 2018. The Coast Guard Integrated Project Team (IPT) started preparations to move life insurance election online in December 2017.
Beginning 01 October, all Coast Guard active duty and eligible reserve members must electronically validate their life insurance elections in SOES by accessing the 24/7 application via the DoD milConnect portal, hosted by the Defense Manpower Data Center. All current life insurance elections will be uploaded into SOES prior to 01 October and all personnel shall electronically certify their SOES record prior to 31 March 2019. Once certified, the SOES election will be considered the authoritative record for life insurance and members will then be able to make insurance changes anytime. SOES will automatically generate annual email to members reminding them to review their life insurance coverage. In addition to permitting human resource administrators the ability to produce unit report on enrollment status, the SOES will provide casualty affairs officials on-demand access to current coverage and beneficiary information in the unfortunate event of a casualty.
Please join me in encouraging all members to validate their life insurance in SOES during the six-month implementation window. The importance of maintaining this low-cost life insurance to ensure the welfare of family members left behind after a tragic event cannot be overstated. Automating SGLI elections will significantly reduce uncertainty in a deceased’s intentions, beneficiary confusion, and delays in claims processing.
ALCOAST 334/18 provides guidance on SOES implementation including links to two training modules created by the VA to assist personnel in navigating the SOES application. Two infographics, developed in a joint effort between the Coast Guard and VA, explaining the transition to SOES are available for all commands on the PPC website.
RADM William G. Kelly
RADM WILLIAM G. KELLY
Assistant Commandant for Human Resources
Issue date: 09/28/2018